Peter(cephas)
Summary
Peter, originally named Simon, was the foremost of Christ's twelve apostles, a Galilean fisherman who became the recognized leader and spokesman of the early Church after receiving from Jesus the name Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), meaning 'rock' or 'stone.'
☩Names
Peter is known by four names in the New Testament. His original name was Simon (Greek) or Symeon (Hebrew), meaning 'hearer.' Jesus gave him the surname Cephas (Aramaic kepha), meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' which in Greek becomes Petros (Peter). Paul typically uses 'Cephas' while the Gospels prefer 'Peter.' After the apostles were chosen, Simon is almost exclusively called Peter. The name 'Simon Peter' frequently appears in John's Gospel. When Jesus addresses him directly, He often uses 'Simon,' particularly in moments of rebuke or restoration.
☩Background and Early Life
Peter was the son of Jonas (or John) and was raised as a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. He and his brother Andrew were partners with James and John, sons of Zebedee, who had hired servants—indicating a social position of some respectability. Peter lived first at Bethsaida, then in a house at Capernaum belonging to himself or his mother-in-law, large enough to accommodate Jesus, the disciples, and crowds attracted by Christ's ministry. He was married, and his wife accompanied him on apostolic journeys (1 Corinthians 9:5). Though called 'unlearned' by the council (Acts 4:13), this meant lacking rabbinical training, not illiteracy—Jews required children to attend schools and learn Scripture.
☩Call and Apostleship
Peter's relationship with Jesus developed in stages. First, through his brother Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, he was introduced to Jesus, who immediately named him Cephas (John 1:40-42). After returning to fishing, he received a second call by the Sea of Galilee after the miraculous draught of fish, when Jesus said, 'Henceforth thou shalt catch men.' His third call was to the apostleship when Jesus chose the Twelve (Matthew 10:2-4). Peter always stands first in the lists of apostles—not in rank or authority over others, but as their natural leader and spokesman due to his courage, energy, and devotion.
☩Prominent Events in the Gospels
Peter's impulsive character produced both triumphs and failures. He walked on water toward Jesus, then sank when fear overtook faith (Matthew 14:28-31). At Caesarea Philippi, he made the great confession, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,' receiving in return Christ's promise about the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:16-19). Yet moments later he rebuked Jesus for predicting His death and was called 'Satan.' He witnessed the Transfiguration with James and John, proposing to build three tabernacles. In Gethsemane he cut off Malchus's ear; hours later he denied Christ three times, then wept bitterly. After the resurrection, Jesus restored him by the Sea of Galilee with the threefold question, 'Lovest thou me?'
☩Leadership in the Early Church
After Pentecost, Peter emerged as the undisputed leader of the apostolic community. He preached the first Christian sermon, converting three thousand (Acts 2). He healed the lame man at the temple gate and boldly defended the faith before the council (Acts 3-4). He pronounced judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). He used 'the keys' to open the kingdom first to Jews at Pentecost, then to Gentiles through Cornelius, guided by the vision of the sheet (Acts 10). Miraculously delivered from prison by an angel, he continued preaching despite persecution (Acts 12). At the Jerusalem Council, he supported Gentile freedom from the law, though later at Antioch Paul rebuked him for inconsistency in eating with Gentiles.
☩Later Ministry and Death
After Acts 12, Scripture provides little direct information about Peter's movements. He wrote two epistles, the first addressing scattered believers in Asia Minor, the second warning against false teachers. Ancient tradition uniformly attests that Peter and Paul founded the church at Rome and suffered martyrdom there under Nero (c. AD 64-68). Jesus had predicted Peter would die a martyr's death (John 21:18-19). According to Origen and other early writers, Peter requested to be crucified head downward, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. His transformation from impulsive fisherman to steadfast 'rock' demonstrates the power of Christ's grace working in human weakness.
Related Verses178 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Peter," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Peter," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Peter," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Peter," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.George Morrish, "Peter," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).